MLB announced on Friday that five minor league baseball players had been suspended for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, a group that included pitcher Austin Reich of the San Francisco Giants.

Reich, 24, will miss 50 games after testing positive for Amphetamine.  That will mean Reich will not be eligible to play again until mid-June, barring other unforeseen circumstances.

Originally acquired as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Reich had a rough first season, allowing a 9.24 ERA in 11 relief appearances.  He had a breakout season in 2021, combining for a 1.63 ERA between Low-A San Jose and High-A Eugene.  Overall, he struck out 98 battings to just 14 walks in 60.2 innings on the season.  He was generally expected to start the year in Double-A Richmond.

The other four players that were suspended were Colorado Rockies pitcher Jose Flores, Miami Marlins pitcher Alan Ramirez, and Minnesota Twins pitchers Lenny Polanco and Jesus Tovar.  All four of those players received suspensions of 60 games, because they tested positive for Stanozolol.

It was widely reported earlier in the week that MLB had stopped testing for performance-enhancing drugs and other substances when MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement lapsed during the MLB lockout.  That is true, but that JDA only applies to Major League players.  Minor League players continue to be tested.